Vanity Verbena is a vibrant, award-winning cultivar of Verbena bonariensis that brings color and pollinators to gardens from summer through late fall. This compact beauty reaches 30 inches tall and produces vivid flower clusters that bloom continuously for 90 days from seed to first flowers. Hardy in zone 7 (and warmer zones), it thrives in full sun with moderate water and actually improves once established, tolerating drought conditions well. Whether grown as a perennial in warmer climates or as a reliable annual elsewhere, Vanity has earned both the 2022 All Americas Select Ornamental Winner and the Fleuroselect Gold Medal Award, recognition that speaks to its exceptional garden performance.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
7-7
30in H x 24in W
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Moderate
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Vanity earned its accolades by delivering non-stop blooms from summer straight through November, creating a nectar-rich buffet that attracts pollinators of every kind. The flowers are striking and long-lasting in bouquets, and the branching habit stays naturally compact without demanding heavy deadheading. Deer ignore it, drought won't faze it once rooted, and the tidy 30-inch frame fits easily into borders, cottage gardens, or containers without sprawling.
Vanity Verbena is grown primarily as an ornamental flower for garden beds, borders, and cottage plantings where its long season of bloom and pollinator magnetism are assets. The flowers are both decorative in the garden and beautiful when cut for fresh bouquets, lasting well in arrangements. Its compact, tidy growth habit makes it equally at home in containers or as part of mixed plantings where color and pollinator activity matter.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in seed starting mix and cover them very lightly, as they need darkness to germinate. Keep soil moist but not soggy and maintain temperatures between 68 to 70°F. Germination occurs slowly and irregularly over 14 to 28 days; patience is essential. Best results often come from starting in February or March indoors. Once seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall and night temperatures stay above 50°F, acclimate them to outdoor conditions gradually before transplanting.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date when night temperatures consistently exceed 50°F. Space plants 12 to 15 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor light and air over several days before final planting.
Direct sow seeds in mid-spring after your last frost date, though indoor starting typically yields better results given the slow and irregular germination.
The compact, branching growth habit of Vanity requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooming, though the plant is naturally productive without heavy maintenance. For a tidier appearance in mid-to-late summer, you can lightly cut back stems, but this is optional rather than essential.
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“Verbena bonariensis itself hails from South America, but Vanity represents a significant moment in ornamental breeding: it's an award-winning heirloom cultivar that has been tested and validated by major horticultural institutions. Its dual accolades (All Americas Select Ornamental Winner in 2022 and Fleuroselect Gold Medal Award) mark it as a variety worthy of preservation and continued cultivation by serious gardeners, seed companies, and pollinator advocates alike.”